Subaru launches 2013 Legacy, Outback

Fuel economy improvements for the 2.5-litre models and the introduction of Subaru's Eyesight safety technology are the features of the 2013Symmetrical All Wheel Drive Legacy and Outback models which go on sale this month.

The 2.5-litre models have been up-graded with the latest quad cam version of Subaru's Boxer engine. This was originally introduced in the Forester last year and a 2.0-litre derivative has been fitted to the new Impreza and XV models launched earlier this year.

This new engine has 4 kWs more power - up to 127 kWs - than the SOHC motor which has powered the Legacy and Outback 2.5 until now. Torque has risen 6Nm to 235Nm. This motor has chain driven camshafts, reducing servicing costs. The 100,000km cam belt change which costs around $700 is no longer required.

But the main benefit is in the improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. The overall fuel economy of the Legacy 2.5 sedan has been reduced 6.3 percent and is now 7.9litres/100km, having dropped from 8.4 lit/100km. And the Legacy wagon and Outback 2.5 has improved 5 percent from 8.4 to 8.0 lit/100km.

The more efficient operation of the new double overhead camshaft motor produces more mid-range torque from 2500rpm. And some of the improved economy has been provided by improvements to Subaru's Lineartronic Transmission. It is now lighter and more compact with less internal friction.

"We have already proved the economy of the outgoing powertrain in the 2010 Energywise Rally," said Wallis Dumper the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand.

In that event a Legacy 2.5 with Lineartronic transmission recorded 6.54 lit/100km over four days of competition around the North Island over a wide variety of terrain. And an Outback achieved 6.81 lit/100km, well under their combined fuel consumptions of 8.4 litres/100km.

"We expect these revised 2.5-litre Legacy and Outbacks to perform even better when driven with economy in mind," Dumper said.

The 2013 Legacy and Outback are also cleaner running with 8.8 percent improvements in CO2 emissions - down to 182 g/km compared to 198g/km for the outgoing Legacy sedan.

This new engine meets Euro 5 emission control regulations.

While the main change to the 2.5 models has been the new engine and revised transmission, the turbocharged Legacy GT Spec. B and the six-cylinder 3.6-litre Outback and Legacy sedan are equipped with Subaru's "EyeSight" safety technology for the first time.

With twin cameras mounted at the top of the front windscreen on either side of the rearview mirror, EyeSight combines seven main features for frontal collision avoidance or reducing the speed of an impact; lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

Full details of the technology are in the "EyeSight" background document and the system is expected to be introduced progressively on other Subaru models in the future.

There are new design 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels - depending on model - across the range.

In the cabin of 3.6-litre and GT Premium models there are electro luminescent liquid crystal display instrumentation. The economy gauge is now at the top of the instrument cluster for easier viewing. The steering wheel follows the same design as the new Impreza with more controls, including the SI (Subaru Intelligent) Drive on the higher specification models on the spokes.

The Legacy 2.5 Premium and Outback 2.5 Premium models now come with satellite navigation. Mapping is via an SD card shown on the 7-inch screen which is also used for the reversing camera.

The SI-Drive has three settings which regulate gear change points and fuel delivery.

The "Intelligent" setting is for the most economical operation, while "Sport" is for all-round operation with linear acceleration and the "Sport sharp" setting provides the most performance, making gear changes at higher revs and providing highly responsive throttle control.

Operation of the SI-Drive has been integrated better with the Vehicle Dynamics Control system to provide an even more precise and stable distribution of the engine's torque to all four wheels.

The electric park brake has been moved to the centre console for easier more logical operation and there is a more ergonomic switch layout on the doors.

The indicators now have a one touch lane change operation and the automatic headlight switching is more intuitive. Higher spec. models come with remote keyless access and push button start.

The Outback diesel will be available with a high torque Subaru Lineartronic Transmission (SLT) for the first time early in 2013.

"We expect an automatic diesel to create more opportunity for us," said Dumper.

"It's where a lot of sales in this market segment are at presently, so our SLT Diesel with Symmetrical All Wheel Drive will allow us to make a stronger impact in the overall SUV segment."

There have been minor changes to the MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension to improve the Legacy and Outback's ride and handling compromise. The front anti-roll bar diameter has been increased 3mm to 26mm and changes to shock absorber settings provide better damping at lower speeds.

The Outbacks have lighter rear suspension upper arms for less unsprung weight and the electric power steering has been given more feel. Revised suspension bushes improve stability and reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

The 2013 Legacy and Outback have a full suite of active and passive safety measures, starting with the ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes with Brake assist, ABS and EBD.

There are seven airbags on all models, a rear reversing camera, Subaru's ring reinforcement bodyshell design, anti-intrusion beams in the doors and 5-Star crash testing certification in both Europe (5-star NCAP) and Australia (5-star ANCAP).

Bluetooth connectivity is standard across the range and sound systems are USB and auxiliary jack point capable.

"Greater active safety with our "EyeSight" technology sets us apart from the other mainstream Japanese brands," said Mr. Dumper. "It is the kind of technology that has only been available from luxury brands or premium models until now. And of course our Symmetrical All Wheel Drive continues to provide us with a unique active safety position in the market."

Dumper said Subaru was also meeting the need for increasingly economical vehicles in a changing world.

"There is a perception that All Wheel Drive is a fuel consumption penalty," he said. "But the engineering of our Lineartronic powertrains make our cars - which are among the largest in the medium sized segment - still one of the most economical in the class."